Two skiers were rescued from a remote backcountry area northeast of Squamish, Thursday, after being caught in an avalanche.
It happened past Mamquam Mountain, near the base of Spire Peaks.
It’s believed the men were on an overnight trip into the area.
The pair used a beacon to call for help. One of them was taken to hospital for a serious leg injury, while the other was unhurt.
The Canadian Forces 442 Squadron deployed a CH-149 Cormorant from Comox to assist with the search, after strong winds proved too powerful for the aircraft Squamish Search and Rescue normally uses.
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Blackcomb Helicopters Squamish base manager Ben Hawkins said the rescue was a good reminder that even with a Spot beacon, help is not always close at hand.
“People are getting complacent, they feel if they get injured, they press that spot, they activate their phone, they dial 911 and there’s going to be an instant response and they’ll be rescued,” he said.
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“The weather here today prevented myself from flying. Luckily we got the bigger helicopter.”
Anyone headed into B.C.’s backcountry during avalanche season is reminded to ensure they have a beacon, probe and shovel and know how to use them.
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